With Christmas fast approaching, Council Trading Standards Officers have some seasonal advice to avoid holiday shopping horrors.
Faulty goods
If goods you buy for Christmas turn out to be faulty you must deal with the problem straight away, your rights begin from date of purchase not from gifts are opened or used. You could be entitled to a refund, exchange or repair depending on the extent of the fault and how quickly it developed.
Refunds/exchanges
Many retailers offer a refund within 28 days as long as you have a receipt. Sometimes this will be a gesture of goodwill or it might be that you are legally entitled to your money back. Always check with the seller what their returns policy is prior to buying. If you are giving a gift and want the recipient to have the option of exchanging the present, it’s a good idea to ask for a gift receipt to pass on with the present.
Shopping from home
Shopping on the internet is an ideal way to avoid the Christmas stampede. There are some bargains to be had, but shopping from home is not without its problems.
If you buy over the internet, satellite TV, phone or mail order you will usually have some additional legal protection as you will not have been given the opportunity to examine what you’re buying. For most purchases you will have a cooling off period, where you will be able to return goods even if they are not faulty. If you are returning goods that are unsuitable you might have to pay postage costs. Goods that are perishable such as food, or those that are custom made may not be returnable.
If you buy from an auction site or a private seller you have less rights so do your research before you buy.
Credit
If you are buying anything that costs £100 or more think about using your credit card because the credit provider is equally liable should anything go wrong. Maybe a retailer has gone bust or they refuses to sort out a complaint you have with them, with equal liability you can take your issue to the credit company. Before using credit, it’s important to weigh up the interest you will have to pay. Would it be better to save the cash, or maybe look out for 0% interest deals.
Loan sharks should be avoided at all costs – interest rates are usually extortionate and can be difficult to pay off.
To find out more about Christmas in Neath Port Talbot or for essential information during the festive period contact 01639 686868 or log on to www.npt.gov.uk/christmas
